Hi everybody!! Just 2 days left to prepare for the Fisk-a-Friendzy!! Are you planning your outfit?? I just got mine all together...I must say...I'm gonna be lookin' pretty Fiskar-ish!!
What does Orange smell like?? That's the only thing I haven't figured out yet.....do I want to smell like orange or like Fiskars.....and what is that smell? Fruity? New Car? Hmmmm.....any ideas? Anyone? I've got a 5 page kit of Sassafrass "Fawnd of You Too" for the best smelling idea that comes to me by Friday night 11/7/2008. (remember: we close at 8 now...)
Have I told you guys how smart my dad is? I was talking to him this morning about this whole economy thing. Something wasn't making sense to my small mind....I wanted to know why gas prices were going down. It didn't click with my why all of a sudden supply and demand had changed. Don't we still have the same supply we had 6 months ago? Did somebody find a new oil well nobody was aware of??? Truly, I was shocked....gas at a convenience store(usually the most expensive) was only $2.48 a gallon!! What's up with that???
So, you guys probably already knew this, so you'll have to forgive my naivete or lack of intelligence or whatever you want to call it....but here is Joe's informed answer to my question...(I love my dad!!)
Gas prices are not motivated as much by supply and demand as the media would have us believe....in fact, at least in this go-around (as opposed to the 70's), our gas prices sky-rocketed because of the value of the U.S. dollar fell. No, it's true....look it up (google is amazing! Joe recommends Forbes magazine as a great source). As the value of the dollar fell, our oil purchasers were forced to compensate by putting more dollars behind our purchases of barrels of oil.
Still think the "bail-out" was a bad idea? I personally am undecided. I am a survivor and will make do no matter the situation but let me point out something ... immediately after the bail-out occurred, gas prices started falling....why? The value of the dollar began to increase, fewer dollars had to be used to buy oil....this is trickling down to us at the pumps ... Steve even texted a picture of the gas pump reading $78.00 after completely filling our Suburban's gas tank. I filled up the "Doodle Bug" for just $34 just the other day and prices are still coming DOWN!
Joe told me to relax about the economy this morning. He reminded me that it has been much worse in the past and the fact that the dollar is increasing in value is a really good sign. There is money to be invested, investors are just holding back...waiting and watching..... He also said that based on everything he's been reading, it will probably be 2010 before we really feel the recovery but it will happen. It always does. This is not blind faith, it is historical fact.
In the meantime....let's all hunker down and be conservative with our spending...it we don't need it...let's not buy it. Strange talk for a gal who's family depends on retail spending for it's very existence. But truly....we're in it together! I am very aware that if I want you to spend money at The Scrapbook Cottage, I need to provide a good reason.
Take a look around. Scrapbookers shop everywhere...so pay attention to pricing when you go to your local scrapbook stores and big box stores. The Scrapbook Cottage is offering prices that are very competitive. Many stores, like Micheals, actually raise their prices above MSRP to compensate for discount programs. We DO NOT do that!
Prices in our store do not exceed the Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price. We do not inflate our prices to offer you a false discount. I believe these practices are an insult to the consumer. Sure, it's fun to be "preferred customer" and to be offered a discount on every purchase of 15 or 20 percent. But pay attention...what price is that discount coming from and what price are you paying after the discount is taken? I have heard from our customers that our every day pricing, in many cases, is as much as 30% lower than others. Plus, our coupons offer genuine discounts. If you're not getting them....get your email address to us.
In the near future, The Scrapbook Cottage will be introducing it's own program for loyal shoppers. When it is finally unveiled....you can rest assured that it is GENUINELY a discount program that GENUINELY REWARDS you for your support of our store through loyal business relationships.
OK. enough of my soap box. There are 3 things I want you to take away from this blog today...
#1 - what does a fisk-a-teer smell like? (sassafrass prize waiting for best "smelling" suggestion!)
#2 - The Scrapbook Cottage appreciates your business. We're hangin' in there right along side of you. Things will get better for all of us.
#3 - The Scrapbook Cottage will be introducing a rewards program soon. Make yourself heard...tell us what you'd like to see!!
Have a great day....make something fun for someone unsuspecting....you'll be glad you did when you see them smile!
Jen
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1 comment:
Excellent post. Lots to think about. You Dad is a smart man. We all have to be positive in times like these.
I'm a huge supporter of shopping at the "Local Guy". I worked for a family owned jewelry store for many years during high school and college. We were always competeing with the department stores that offered the 40% off on gold, gems, etc. That 40% came out to about 2% when compared to our prices because of the same reason you are talking about. I think personalized services and relationships are worth way more than 2% of the price.
Have fun in VC at the FiskaFriendzy. Wish I was going to be there.
-Carrie at Brains on Fire
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